Trailer Hitch, Bike Rack, And Hitch Extender For A 2001 Honda CR-V

Updated 08/15/2022 | Published 08/11/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(472)

$299.99

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(25)

$213.93

Hitch Extender For 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver 10"

(360)

$106.85

Question:

Im trying to buy my daughter a bike rack for her 2001 Honda CRV. It has a 1.25 hitch and a plastic wheel cover on the back so I do not want to use the spare for the anchor/attaching place. Im having hard time figuring out if the bikes will sit beyond the spare on the back. I also dont know which is sturdier hanging racks or platform Thank you for your help.

asked by: Joan G

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for your 2001 Honda CR-V, however using a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" class I hitch may not be the best choice. Since you have a spare tire on the rear of your vehicle, you're going to need to use a hitch extender like # HES0.

What this is going to do is, push your hitches receiver opening out past your bumper giving you the clearance to use your bike rack without interference. The only catch is, whenever you use a hitch extender or any hitch adapters, you are going to limit your hitch's overall capacity by 50%.

So basically, if your hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 200-lbs, and the rack weighs 50-lbs, you're left with 50-lbs to use to transport your bike(s).

If that's okay for you, and you're only carrying one or two light bikes, then you should be fine, however if you know your bikes are going to run a bit heavier, then your best option is to upgrade your vehicle's hitch to a class III # e23AR.

Upgrading your hitch with provide your Honda with much more tongue weight capacity and even after a bike rack, a hitch extender, and your bikes you should have plenty of capacity.

As far as bike racks go, I personally recommend going with a platform rack like the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # HR200Z over a hanging rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR that you mention.

Reason being is, platform racks tend to be much sturdier, generally a higher weight capacity, and have much more versatility in what types of bikes you can transport.

Either of these bike racks can be used on both a class I hitch like what's on your Honda, up to a class III hitch like the # e23AR mentioned above.

Finally, to accurately pick a hitch extender, which you're going to need in either case, you'll want to measure from your hitches pin hole out to the edge of the spare tire. From here you'll want to choose an extender that clears that distance, and will also work in your hitch.